Today we’d like to introduce you to Gracy McGuigan
Gracy, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I’m originally from Houston, TX, where my love for the arts, baking, and dogs blossomed early on, encompassing everything from performing arts and crafts to DIY projects, fine art, and digital design. My artistic journey was significantly influenced by my parents—my mother, a bilingual educator, and my father, a mechanical engineer—who instilled valuable skills that shaped my educational path. This foundation led me to earn a bachelor’s degree in graphic design and dance from Sam Houston State University in Huntsville, TX, laying a strong basis for my career.
Four years after earning my undergraduate degree, I decided to further my education and applied to the Academy of Art University in San Francisco, CA. Their prestigious four-year master’s program in graphic design was highly regarded, and I was eager for the opportunity. Upon acceptance, I moved, excited for what lay ahead.
The program was rigorous, with only about 35% of students graduating, but I was committed to making it work. I balanced full-time studies with part-time work at the flagship Apple store, immersing myself in a vibrant community of creative thinkers. I had the privilege of learning from professors who were industry leaders, working at companies like Design Within Reach, Gap, and Lucasfilm Ltd. Their guidance, along with inspiration from my peers and visits from visionaries like Steve Jobs and Jony Ive, continually motivated my growth in the craft.
As I approached graduation, a friendship with a fellow classmate blossomed into something more, and I’m now proud to call him my husband and our Chief Pup Operations Officer. He earned a bachelor’s degree in fine art from Seattle University and completed the same master’s program in graphic design at AAU. After graduation, we moved to Stamford, CT, when he landed his first design job at DWR, giving me the chance to explore career opportunities in New York City.
After settling in Connecticut, within about six months, I secured my first role as a Junior Art Director at Martha Stewart Living, which officially launched my graphic design career. From there, I transitioned to TracyLocke, an advertising agency, where I served as an Art Director on projects for major brands like HP, Pepsi, Reebok, and Starbucks.
Eventually, the National Football League sought me out, and I was thrilled to join their design team in New York City. In this role, I created event environments and developed assets for print and email communications for various high-profile events, including the International Series Games in London, the Pro Bowls in Hawaii and Florida, and multiple Super Bowls. This opportunity felt like reaching the pinnacle of success, especially for someone who grew up with a deep love for football.
After six and a half years on the East Coast, we relocated to Seattle, WA. There, I played a pivotal role in launching Amazon Go, which was my first graphic design job in the food retail space. I designed in-store infographics, food packaging, posters, and app graphics. Shortly thereafter, my husband and I received a unique opportunity to work together at Twitter, managing the visual style for the company’s internal and external communications—including visuals, iconography, typography, photography, animations, and infographics. This opportunity brought us back to San Francisco, where I then transitioned to roles at Rakuten (formerly Ebates) and later at DataRobot.
After the pandemic, I felt a strong desire to be nearer to my family, so we relocated to Austin, TX. About a year later, I experienced a layoff from my tech job and struggled for six months to find new employment, despite my experience. During this challenging time, I began considering entrepreneurship and the possibility of becoming my own boss.
It all clicked when I discovered the chance to start my own dog treat company, perfectly aligning with my passions for dogs, baking, and design. Let’s rewind 10 years: a year after my husband and I got married, we welcomed a Pembroke Welsh Corgi who we named Pixel, which was a nod to our background in graphic design.
We dedicated ourselves to providing our fur baby, Pixel with the healthiest food and treats and ensured he had his routine check-ups. Unfortunately, he crossed the rainbow bridge at the early age of 6.5 years old due to brain cancer, leaving my husband and me in shock as we processed this profound loss.
With new dogs in our lives, I was inspired to create my own treats, allowing me to control the ingredients and avoid chemically processed foods. The idea took shape as my husband and I brainstormed names for our three dogs—Cookie, Churro, and Mochi—eventually evolving into the brand name Pup Confections. I dove headfirst into my “dog mom” era and began designing the branding. After six months of developing the brand, treats and securing the necessary licenses and certifications, I proudly launched the company on December 1, 2024.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
While the journey with Pup Confections has been incredibly rewarding, it hasn’t always been smooth sailing! Like any small business, I’ve faced a variety of challenges along the way—ranging from navigating the complexities of sourcing high-quality ingredients to managing the logistics of production and shipping.
One of the biggest hurdles has been getting everything off the ground while balancing time with my husband, fur babies and building a loyal customer base, which I’m still actively working on. Establishing my brand and learning how to effectively reach pet owners is new territory for me, but having been a dog owner for most of my life has certainly helped. Each challenge has taught me valuable lessons in perseverance and creativity, and I’m continually learning, especially about food regulations.
I initially thought I could sell my treats nationwide, but I quickly discovered that obtaining food licensing for each state is a complex and costly process, as each one has its own regulations. For now, I can only sell within Texas, which is tough because I have family and friends in various states eager to buy treats. It’s disappointing to decline those requests, but I remain focused on making Pup Confections a success here at home.
Despite these challenges, the joy of seeing pups enjoy my treats and the support from my customers make it all worthwhile. Every setback inspires me to improve and innovate, and I’m truly grateful for this journey and excited for what lies ahead!
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
As a graphic designer, I specialize in creating visually captivating branding and packaging that truly connects with audiences. My playful and whimsical style comes to life through my brand, Pup Confections, where I combine my love for design with my passion for dogs. Every detail, from the carefully crafted packaging to the vibrant branding, reflects my dedication to making treats that not only look amazing but also bring joy to pups and their humans alike.
At Pup Confections, we take pride in using only the finest organic and all-natural ingredients, ensuring that every treat is as wholesome as it is delicious. Each batch is handcrafted with love, making our treats something pet parents can feel great about giving to their furry companions. For example, our Peanut Butter Bark Bites are lovingly crafted in a medium bone shape and feature a wholesome blend of ingredients, including whole wheat flour, natural peanut butter, skim milk, baking powder, and a dash of cinnamon that dogs simply can’t resist.
Seeing our beautifully packaged treats in the paws of happy pups is incredibly rewarding, but even more special is the growing community we’re building—where dog lovers come together to share, connect, and celebrate their four-legged family members.
What sets me apart is my ability to blend thoughtful, eye-catching design with a deep understanding of the pet treat market. As a lifelong dog owner, I know that every detail matters, from the quality of ingredients to the way a product makes a pet parent feel. My goal is to create an experience that evokes joy, love, and connection—because our dogs deserve the very best!
We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
I believe that taking calculated risks is essential for both personal and professional growth. Risks often open doors to new opportunities, spark innovation, and provide invaluable learning experiences. One significant risk I took was leaving San Francisco, CA where I had built a strong network during grad school, to move across the country to Connecticut and New York City, a place where I knew no one in the industry. It was a leap of faith; I understood that I would either succeed in NYC or face the consequences, but I was ready to take that chance.
This experience proved to be both challenging and rewarding. It taught me how to navigate uncertainty, adapt quickly, and develop my problem-solving skills. Within just six months of applying to major companies, I landed my first role at Martha Stewart Living, which truly launched my design career and set me on an unstoppable path. Throughout this journey, I gained invaluable insights across various industries and forged connections that continue to benefit my career.
Ultimately, I’ve learned that taking risks fosters resilience and creativity, shaping who I am today. Currently, I find myself in another risk-taking phase—working part-time as a design contractor while spending quality time with my husband and fur babies. I’m dedicating my energy and resources to building my business, Pup Confections. With every treat I create, I’m reminded that taking risks results in joyful barks and happy tails. Join the pack today, and discover how Pup Confections can spoil your pups!
Pricing:
- $5.00–$25.00
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.pupconfections.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pup_confections/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pupconfections
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gracylealmcguigan/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@pup_confections
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/pup-confections-leander-2
Image Credits
Headshot and image of my husband and me were taken by:
Eryn Chandler Photography
Website: https://erynchandler.com/
Instagram: @erynchandlerphoto
